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The OM System OM-1 Mark II ($2,399.99, physique solely) is the follow-up to considered one of our favourite cameras for out of doors photographers, the OM-1 ($2,199.99). It retains the unique’s excellent ergonomics, wonderful digital viewfinder (EVF), and class-leading climate sealing, whereas gaining rubberized management dials, a computational Graduated Impartial Density (GND) mode, and an improved autofocus system. That mentioned, it prices considerably greater than the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II, which gives higher video options for hybrid creators. The Lumix stays our general Editors’ Selection winner for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras, although devoted photographers are positive to benefit from the OM-1 Mark II’s svelte construct and superior stills capabilities.It Goes The place You DoSmall, easy-to-carry cameras and lenses are hallmarks of the Micro 4 Thirds mirrorless digital camera system and causes sufficient for a lot of to decide on it over the full-frame competitors. The OM-1 Mark II sticks carefully to the idea, coming in at 3.6 by 5.3 by 2.9 inches (HWD) and simply 1.3 kilos and not using a lens hooked up. The Lumix G9 II is just a little bigger and heavier (4.0 by 5.3 by 3.5 inches and 1.4 kilos) because it shares its chassis with the full-frame Lumix S5 II, however I do not think about it too huge.
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(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The OM-1 solidifies its billing as an outside digital camera thanks to some core options: IP53 climate safety, a stabilized picture sensor, and a set of computational options for lengthy exposures and not using a tripod or glass ND filters. For comparability, the G9 II additionally has a stabilized sensor and a few (however fewer general) computational assists.Each the OM-1 Mark II and G9 II use the identical kind of Micro 4 Thirds mirrorless lenses, so that they pull from a shared library. The system’s 4:3 side ratio differentiates it from APS-C and full-frame cameras which snap images at 3:2. The sensor dimension is just a little smaller than APS-C, so there’s much less alternative for images with blurred backgrounds. Neither sensor format is an alternative to a full-frame chip and shiny lens if that is the look you need. Respectively, Micro 4 Thirds and APS-C fashions have crop elements of round 2.0 and 1.5 occasions that of full-frame.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
If you have already got a stash of Micro 4 Thirds lenses, you should purchase the OM-1 Mark II in a body-only configuration. It’s also possible to get it in a equipment with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 Professional II zoom lens for $2,999.99. The 12-40mm F2.8 prices $999.99 by itself, so the equipment represents a superb worth and bucks the business development of not providing F2.8 zooms at a reduction. The OM-1 Mark II’s value might sound excessive for a crop-sensor digital camera, particularly for the reason that full-frame EOS R6 Mark II prices only a bit extra at $2,499. In fact, the R6 Mark II makes use of a run-of-the-mill CMOS sensor, whereas the OM-1 Mark II sports activities a sooner Stacked CMOS chip. The OM System’s value is in the end in step with the one different crop-sensor Stacked digital camera, the APS-C Fujifilm X-H2S ($2,499.95).Just like the OM-1 Mark II physique, the 12-40mm F2.8 Professional II lens’ climate sealing makes it a wonderful alternative for nature and wildlife images. Different system lenses are simply as powerful. To that time, after I by accident dropped the digital camera and 150-600mm lens into a few inches of snow, each labored tremendous afterward.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
I do not usually put lots of thought into the logos on a digital camera, however the OM-1 Mark II makes a major change. It places the OM System brand on the entrance of its viewfinder hump rather than the Olympus badge on the first-generation OM-1. It is a reminder that Olympus offered its digital camera division in 2020 to OM System. I have never observed a drop within the high quality of merchandise within the ensuing years, but additionally have not seen an enormous enchancment in tech. The OM-1 Mark II has some new options, positive, however different releases, such because the TG-7 compact and OM-5, are simply outdated cameras with new logos. Time will inform whether or not OM stays stagnant or releases extra merchandise alongside the traces of the incredible M.Zuiko 90mm Macro lens. I might like to see OM deliver the PEN-F again to life, for instance.Excellent ErgonomicsThe OM-1 Mark II makes one change to the physique exterior in contrast with the unique: It swaps the plastic entrance and rear management dials for rubberized controls. The up to date dials are just a little extra distinguished and simpler to control in case you are sporting heavy gloves. In any other case, the incredible ergonomics from the unique proceed right here. I am particularly keen on the OM-1’s grip. It is appropriately deep to be used with heavier lenses, has a tapered center finger indent that is fairly comfy, and its angled shutter launch rests naturally below my index finger.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The physique consists of two operate buttons between the grip and lens mount. They management the One Contact White Stability and Depth of Discipline Preview features by default, however you may reconfigure every. The buttons sit just a little shut collectively, however I do not discover the association too crowded. I admire that the highest button has a concave floor and that the underside one has a convex floor for simpler differentiation by contact.OM places the facility swap on the left facet of the highest plate in distinction to the extra frequent place across the shutter launch. The swap is inlaid along side a squat cylinder with two buttons: one for Drive/Self-Timer/Flash settings and one for AF/Metering. The buttons work together with the in-grip dials to alter settings. The Mode dial is on the opposite facet of the viewfinder. It has a central put up lock that toggles it on and off, together with EV and Excessive Res Shot/Report buttons. The latter places the OM-1 Mark II into its 50MP multi-shot stills mode or begins a video relying on the lively mode.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The rear management scheme is fairly customary. Menu and Show buttons are on the high left, whereas AE-L, AF-ON, and ISO buttons run alongside the identical row to the appropriate of the eyecup. A Fn lever rings the AE-L button, a intelligent answer that swaps between two management schemes. By default, the lever switches between two focus modes, however you may set it to swap between the stills and video modes if you need. It’s also possible to configure it in order that it adjustments the operate of the entrance and rear publicity dials to respectively deal with white stability and ISO as an alternative. It is a helpful implementation general, although I want OM allow you to use the swap to alter the drive mode. The Mode dial has 4 Customized slots (C1-C4), nevertheless, so there’s nonetheless a strategy to rapidly cycle via presets.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The physique consists of an eight-way management follow set the realm of curiosity for focus, in addition to a four-way d-pad with a central OK button instead. Each navigate the menus, so you need to use whichever you discover extra comfy. I had just a little bother urgent the d-pad with out bumping the OK button with gloves on, so I used to be glad to have the eight-way stick as another choice.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The OM-1 Mark II has two essential menu interfaces. Urgent OK brings up an an on-screen show (OSD) that covers a lot of the rear display screen and gives a bunch of choices in a 4-by-6 sq. grid which you could navigable by way of contact or the buttons. It consists of many helpful choices however isn’t configurable. That limitation means it’s worthwhile to navigate the multi-page textual content menu to get at a number of the OM-1’s higher options. The textual content menu is no less than intuitive and features a My Menu web page on your commonest choices. The Sony a6700, Fuji X-H2S, and Panasonic G9 II all allow you to customise their respective OSD menus, for comparability.A Good EVF and Articulating DisplayThe OM-1 Mark II retains the EVF and LCD from its predecessor, I am not complaining, nevertheless, because it’s of full-frame high quality. It’s totally sharp at 5.8 million dots, has a excessive magnification of 0.82x, and refreshes at a easy 60fps. Though it drains the battery extra rapidly, a 120fps choice is obtainable for monitoring erratic topics. General, it is markedly higher than that of the Sony a6700 (2.4 million dots. 0.71x), however on par with that of the G9 II (3.7 million dots, 0.8x) and Fuji X-H2S (5.8 million dots, 0.8x).
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The three-inch rear show has a swing out, vari-angle design and helps contact enter. It exhibits a transparent image (1.62 million dots) and is shiny sufficient to make use of outdoor. The G9 II’s display screen is identical dimension however sharper at 1.8 million dots.Aggressive Battery Life and Twin Card SlotsThe OM-1 Mark II makes use of the identical BLX-1 battery as the unique, although its CIPA score drops to 500 photographs per cost (in contrast with 520). This mark beats that of the G9 II (390 photographs) however is available in beneath that of the Fuji X-H2S (580 photographs). As all the time, you will get much more photos per cost in the event you lean on the quickest burst charges. As an example, after I rattled off near 2,000 exposures with the 150-600mm zoom at 25fps drive over 90 minutes of chicken watching at my yard feeder, the battery degree was nonetheless at about 60%. A spare battery is not a nasty concept in the event you’re going out all day, however not everybody will want one for this digital camera.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Early adopters can get an additional battery without cost: OM guarantees a second BLX-1 for orders via Feb. 25, 2024. Ordinarily, the batteries go for $99 every. For folks upgrading from the unique, the OM-1 Mark II works with the identical HLD-10 Energy Battery Holder. The HLD-10 ($349.99) attaches to the underside of the digital camera and has an extra BLX-1 slot however would not include an additional battery. That mentioned, the holder does embrace a shutter launch and management dials for photographers preferring to work in portrait orientation.A USB-C connector permits in-body charging, whereas a micro HDMI port and three.5mm headphone and microphone jacks for video sit close by. The micro HDMI connector is a notoriously fragile interface, so take care while you use an Atomos Ninja or related recorder. The G9 II is a better option right here because it has a full-sized HDMI connector and helps ProRes recording to SSD storage, too. UVC/UAC video streaming help marks an extra improve of the Mark II over the unique.
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The physique would not have a flash however consists of the legacy PC sync connector for wired strobes and a scorching shoe for on-camera flashes or wi-fi triggers. There are two reminiscence slots, each of which help UHS-II SDXC playing cards. I like to recommend getting a quick card with a write pace of round 300Mbps in the event you plan on utilizing high-speed drive.The OM-1 Mark II works with the O.I. Share smartphone app for file transfers and distant management. The app is a free obtain for Android and iOS, and setup takes only a few minutes. You begin the machine pairing course of on the OM-1 Mark II, which exhibits a QR code on its rear display screen. The app reads that code and units up each the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections in a jiffy.Focuses and Tracks at As much as 50fpsThe OM-1 Mark II will get a refined model of the unique’s already succesful quad-pixel part detect focus system. The sensor leverages 1,053 cross-type part detection pixels throughout its whole floor due to its Quad Bayer coloration filter array (CFA) that splits every pixel into 4 quadrants. The OM-1 Mark II makes use of that quick, correct focus tech to comprehend 50fps steady focus and topic monitoring with a few of its Professional sequence lenses and a wholesome 25fps with others. In whole, six lenses help 50fps drive: 12-40mm F2.8, 12-40mm F2.8 II, 12-100mm F4, 40-150mm F2.8, 150-450mm F4.5 1.25x, and 300mm F4.0.
OM 150-600mm F5.0-6.3, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1,000-second, ISO 250 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
You’ll be able to select amongst a number of areas of curiosity for focus, from small to giant: Single Level, Small, Cross, Center, Giant, and All. Autofocus is wise sufficient to acknowledge topics too, with modes for Airplanes, Animals, Birds, People, Motorsports, and Trains. The topic modes are the identical as from the OM-1 however work higher. Physique detection for people, for instance, helps the digital camera sustain higher with a topic even when their face isn’t seen. Anecdotally, I discovered the digital camera did a greater job of sticking with a detected chicken behind naked tree branches, too.Regardless that it has a Stacked CMOS sensor, the OM-1 Mark II would not learn out rapidly sufficient for the digital camera to drop its mechanical shutter. DPReview measures the primary OM-1 at a scan pace of 1/125-second. That is ok to freeze many kinds of movement, however nonetheless half the pace of a typical mechanical shutter. I consider the Mark II matches the unique’s efficiency right here.
Olympus 300mm F4 + 1.4x TC, 420mm, f/5.6, 1/640-second, ISO 4000 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
As such, the OM-1 Mark II additionally features a focal aircraft shutter that scans rapidly sufficient for 1/250-second flash sync, a extra appropriate alternative for environments with digital LED signage or different kinds of mild that may in any other case induce banding. However, in most conditions, the e-shutter is quick sufficient to keep away from rolling shutter distortion.
OM 150-600mm F5.0-6.3, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1,000-second, ISO 500 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The OM-1 Mark II’s mechanical shutter limits it to a good 10fps, however that is a far cry from the 25 and 50fps charge for the e-shutter. A sooner readout charge means the digital camera can utterly avoids finder blackout in its Sequential Excessive 2 (SH2) drive mode at a most charge of 12.5, 16.7, 25, or 50fps. The function can be obtainable with SH1, which locks focus and publicity in for a sequence however pushes 60, 100, or 120fps in Uncooked format.The burst charges match the unique, however the Mark II digital camera has double the buffer reminiscence, so it could possibly sustain its tempo for longer. It managed about 215 exposures in Uncooked format at 120fps and required about 33 seconds to clear these images to a Sony Robust UHS-II 299MBps reminiscence card. I anticipate extra photogs to care concerning the 25fps and 50fps drive modes on the subject of the buffer, nevertheless, as motion photographs and steady autofocus go hand-in-hand. At 25fps, I obtained 275 photographs earlier than the buffer crammed and 235 exposures at 50fps. The digital camera took about 30 seconds to clear each these bursts.
Olympus 300mm F4, f/6.3, 1/1,000-second, ISO 200 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Extremely-fast seize and a giant buffer are a recipe to replenish a reminiscence card if you do not have good shutter self-discipline. The OM-1 Mark II features a pre-capture mode, referred to as ProCapture, to assist scale back the variety of throwaway photos. On this mode, the digital camera constantly buffers a set variety of photographs (from 1-50) so long as you half-press the shutter. It saves that buffer and continues to take photos while you absolutely press the discharge. It is a plus for wildlife and sports activities images, conditions through which you could be ready for a particular little bit of motion (like an egret hanging the water to catch a fish). The function is pretty frequent amongst high-speed cameras, although it is price noting that it is an Olympus innovation from the E-M1 Mark II.Different cameras in its value vary are quick, too. The G9 II helps as much as 60fps monitoring with the same buffer (200 photographs) and longer write occasions (40 seconds) below equivalent circumstances, whereas the Fuji X-H2S gives 40fps monitoring and a transparent time of round 20 seconds to quick CFe reminiscence. Each even have a pre-shot buffer mode, too.
OM 150-600mm F5.0-6.3, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1,000-second, ISO 1000 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Improved Computational PhotographyThe OM-1 Mark II is forward of the pack on the subject of computational images. The digital camera consists of long-running OM favorites akin to Excessive Res Shot, an in-camera, multi-sample mode that helps handheld composites of 50MP and not using a tripod and 80MP information with one. The Mark II bumps Uncooked high quality to 14-bit for this mode, up from 12-bit, so that you get as a lot modifying flexibility and noise management as with a single 20MP Uncooked publicity.
Excessive Res Shot is helpful for topics the place texture and element issues most; OM 20mm F1.4, f/1.4, 1/500-second, ISO 200 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Stay ND will get the most important overhaul. This mode is helpful for taking lengthy publicity photographs within the daytime with out glass filters to chop the incoming mild. The system has twice as a lot energy as earlier than and helps ND128 (7 stops). It additionally provides a Graduated ND mode with selectable ND2/4/8 (1-3 stops) energy. The GND will help panorama photographers stability the sky and land publicity throughout dawn and sundown scenes. The OM-1 Mark II’s GND rotates freely so you may match the angle of gradation to your scene and allows you to place the middle level anyplace on the body.
Stay ND helps lengthy exposures with out the necessity for glass filters; OM 20mm F1.4, f/4, 1/4-second, ISO 80 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Focus Stacking, HDR, and A number of Publicity choices additionally fall below the computational umbrella, although they’re comparatively frequent options. Stay Composite can be on board. This OM-exclusive function for nighttime images takes the guesswork out of publicity occasions, exhibiting a stay preview of an publicity as you seize it. Stay Composite has been in Olympus cameras for the reason that E-M5 Mark II and I am shocked different producers have not copied it within the interim.Depart Your Tripod at HomeThe OM-1 Mark II makes lofty claims about its 5-axis picture stabilization and claims as much as 8.5 stops of compensation. That is higher than the 7 stops of the OM-1. Simply how lengthy you can handhold the digital camera and get a pointy image is dependent upon your steadiness, the focal size, and the scene. I constantly managed sharp half-second exposures with the 9-18mm lens and extra good than dangerous outcomes at shutter speeds of 1 second.
OM 150-600mm F5.0-6.3, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1,000-second, ISO 500 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
In different regards, the OM-1 Mark II matches the unique’s 20MP Stacked BSI CMOS sensor in image high quality. Since Adobe would not but help the OM-1 Mark II’s Uncooked format, I am basing my analysis on checks I carried out with an OM-1 and examined in Lightroom Basic with the default degree of noise discount. The sensor helps ISO 200-25600 in its native vary and goes from 80-102400 in its prolonged settings. The highest Auto ISO setting is ISO 25600 by default, however you may configure it as excessive or low as you want.
OM 150-600mm F5.0-6.3, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1,000-second, ISO 250 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
As anticipated, the OM-1 Mark II captures photos with the least quantity of noise and the best latitude to edit publicity at ISO 200. Its image high quality holds up via reasonable ISOs, although, and I observe a nominal lack of distinction via ISO 1600. Grain takes on a visual kind at ISO 3200-12800, introducing some texture and distinction loss, however stays comparatively tremendous. The noise creates a rougher, larger-grain sample at ISO 25600-51200, although these settings are nonetheless usable for stills. It’s best to keep away from the acute ISO 102400 setting if potential since image high quality takes a giant step again right here on account of overwhelming, chunky grain and a slight inexperienced coloration shift.
Olympus 300mm F4, f/5.6, 1/500-second, ISO 200 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The 14-bit Uncooked format captures loads of dynamic vary and information deal with lifts to publicity fairly nicely, so you may freely open shadows with out including an excessive amount of noise. That mentioned, the bottom ISO 200 sensitivity is decrease than that of many mirrorless opponents that begin at ISO 100. You lose some modifying flexibility in the event you go for JPGs and should stay with a waxy have a look at ISO 3200 and up on account of in-camera noise discount. On the plus facet, the OM-1 Mark II consists of a number of in-camera artwork filters for photogs who wish to give photos a artistic look with out edits. In-camera Uncooked processing is obtainable too, so you may add a filter after the very fact.General, the pictures are nearly as good as you will get from a Micro 4 Thirds digital camera, with lab outcomes exhibiting the same character to the Lumix G9 II at comparable settings. APS-C cameras just like the Fuji X-H2S have a bonus past ISO 6400, and full-frame cameras just like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II are even higher for low mild and quick shutter pace photograph ops through which the ISO is more likely to vary excessive.
OM 9-18mm II, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/60-second, ISO 200 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Behind the Occasions for VideoThe OM-1 Mark II retains issues just about the identical as the unique for video, although it provides help for 9:16 vertical recording. It gives 8-bit H.264 with any coloration profile and 10-bit 4:2:0 HEVC with the flat OM-Log or an HDR HLG have a look at as much as 4K60 decision. Sadly, the H.264 footage doesn’t resolve as a lot element or have the colour gamut of HEVC, so creators must take the time to shoot in OM-Log and apply a coloration grading LUT throughout modifying. Making use of a grade is not a giant deal for superior editors in software program like Ultimate Minimize Professional, however I see it as a priority for these with out as a lot expertise.
OM 9-18mm II, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/40-second, ISO 200 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Handheld photographs profit from the digital camera’s distinctive IBIS system, however that is additionally true of the G9 II. The Lumix is a greater Micro 4 Thirds digital camera for video, with extra modes, ProRes recording to SSD, and clearer profiles with ready-to-share coloration. The APS-C Fuji X-H2S can be a standout because it data ProRes to a reminiscence card.Excessive-Tech Imaging From a Rugged, Compact DesignThe OM System OM-1 Mark II makes some considerate enhancements to its predecessor with out straying from the core enchantment. Its small, weather-sealed construct helps it survive the weather and rigors of journey, whereas the mix of remarkable stabilization and computational options allows you to get photographs that usually require a tripod or glass filters. We discover that the OM-1 Mark II brings us a specific pleasure for images, however its excessive value and restricted video capabilities lead us to advocate the Panasonic Lumix G9 II as our general Editors’ Selection winner for crop-sensor cameras. The G9 II prices a lot much less, matches the OM System on photograph high quality, and comes out far forward on video capabilities.
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